Let Me Tell You About My Summer Internship
Name: Lauren Hague
Major: Industrial Technology - Occupational Safety Option
Year: Senior
Hometown/State: Chicago, IL
Company/Organization: Allied Insurance
Title: Loss Control Intern
Location: IA, IL, WI, MI
Describe your internship responsibilities:
My job duties included learning the various programs used by the
company, conducting safety surveys for insureds, and completing
special projects. The first week was spent in the Des Moines
regional office learning the many technical programs required in
this career. After that, I job-shadowed seven different
representatives in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. One
representative provided me the opportunity to review a
business' emergency action plan, make recommendations, and
present them to management. When I felt comfortable enough to work
alone, I was allowed to plan and conduct my own surveys and write
reports on my findings. The special project I worked on required
me to visit over 20 different Arby's in Illinois and Wisconsin.
What did you enjoy most about this internship?
I enjoyed the freedom to set my own schedule. After shadowing
various loss control representatives I was assigned my own projects
and how I managed them was up to me. The car and gas card they
provided me with for my job wasn't bad either!
How has this experience impacted your future career plans?
I have definitely set my eyes on a future with Allied. I had a
great experience with the managers, other reps, and overall I was
very comfortable within this type of environment. Allied insures
many different businesses and the opportunity to practice my safety
skills in various industries would make me more desirable to
employers in the future.
What resources did you utilize to obtain this internship?
I utilized numerous resources throughout campus. A past graduate
sent us the information, I went to a resume writing workshop, and
had a chance to practice interview techniques with industry leaders
at the student safety conference I attended.
What advice would you offer to other students seeking similar internships?
Practice time management. The general consensus among loss control
reps is that it takes a special person to be able to manage the
work that they are assigned. Also, don't get pigeon-holed into
thinking you only want to work in a certain industry. The safety
profession requires a wide knowledge base.
